Frank Ocean is an American singer, songwriter, and producer renowned for creating music that connects with the heart. Born in Long Beach, California, he gained attention as a member of Odd Future before starting an extraordinary solo career.
With albums like Channel Orange and Blonde, he reshaped R&B music, making it more emotional, poetic, and experimental. Frank Ocean has inspired countless listeners with songs that tell stories about life, love, and belonging.
Today, he is celebrated as one of the most creative artists of our time, an icon who shines in a world of sound and storytelling.
About the Song
Pyramids song tells a story that connects ancient Egypt with modern life. It compares Cleopatra, a powerful queen, to a woman today who has lost her status and struggles to survive.
It uses the pyramid as a symbol of both past glory and present hardship, showing the mix of strength and pain in life and relationships.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 8, 2012 |
| Album | Channel Orange |
| Writer | Frank Ocean, Malay, Taylor Johnson |
| Producer | Frank Ocean, Malay, Om’Mas Keith |
Meaning of the Song Pyramids
This song weaves together stories from ancient Egypt and today to discuss themes of love, power, and identity. The first part of the song tells the tale of Cleopatra, once a powerful queen, who is betrayed and loses her throne.
Lines like Set the cheetahs on the loose… They have taken Cleopatra, and The throne of our queen is empty, showing her fall from glory.
As the song shifts to the second part, the story moves to the present, where Cleopatra is now a woman working at a strip club, trying to survive in a harsh world.
The repeated line, She’s working at the pyramid tonight, connects her ancient power to her modern struggle. This part uses bluesy guitar and slower music to highlight feelings of loss and longing.
Overall, Pyramids uses Cleopatra’s story as a symbol for the decline of Black identity and power, showing how a woman once seen as a queen now faces exploitation and hardship in today’s world.
Complete Pyramids Lyrics by Frank Ocean
Part I
Chorus
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Set the cheetahs on the loose
Oh, oh, oh, oh
There’s a thief out on the move
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Underneath our legion’s view
Oh, oh, oh, oh
They have taken Cleopatra
Bridge
Run, run, run, come back for my glory (Cleopatra, Cleopatra)
Bring her back to me (Cleopatra, Cle-o-patra, Cleopatra)
Run, run, run, the crown of our pharaoh (Cleopatra, Cleopatra)
The throne of our queen is empty (Cle-o-patra, Cleopatra)
Verse 1
We’ll run to the future, shining like diamonds
In a rocky world, rocky-ky world
Our skin like bronze and our hair like cashmere
As we march to the rhythm on the palace floor, ah-ooh
Chandeliers inside the pyramids tremble from the force
Cymbals crash inside the pyramids, voices fill up the halls
Chorus
Oh, oh, oh, ooh
Set the cheetahs on the loose
Aye, ah, aye
There’s a thief out on the move
Oh, oh, oh, ooh
Underneath our legion’s view
Aye, ah, aye
They have taken Cleopatra, Cleopatra
Verse 2
The jewel of Africa, jewel
What good is a jewel that ain’t still precious?
How could you run off on me? How could you run off on us?
You feel like God inside that gold
I found you laying down with Samson and his full head of hair
I found my black queen, Cleopatra, bad dreams, Cleopatra
Outro
Oh, oh, woah
Remove her, send the cheetahs to the tomb
Oh, oh, woah
Our war is over, our queen has met her doom
Oh, no more
She lives no more, a serpent’s in her room
Oh, no more
He has killed Cleopatra, Cleopatra
Part II
Segue
Big sun coming strong through the motel blinds
Wake up to your girl
For now, let’s call her Cleopatra, Cleopatra
I’ll watch you fix your hair
Then put your panties on in the mirror, Cleopatra
Then your lipstick, Cleopatra
Then your six-inch heels, catch her
She’s headed to the pyramid
Refrain
She’s working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid, ayy
Working at the pyramid tonight, oh yeah
Working at the pyramid, oh-ah
Working at the pyramid tonight, yeah
Working at the pyramid, oh
Working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid
Working at the pyramid tonight
Verse 1
Pimpin’ in my convos
Bubbles in my champagne, let it be some jazz playing
Top floor motel suite, twisting my cigars
Floor model TV with the VCR
Got rubies in my damn chain
Whip ain’t got no gas tank, but it still got woodgrain
Got your girl working for me
Hit the strip and my bill’s paid, that keep my bills paid
Hit the strip and my bill’s paid, keep a nigga bills paid
Refrain
She’s working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid, ayy
Working at the pyramid tonight, ayy
Working at the pyramid, oh-ah
Working at the pyramid tonight, yeah
Working at the pyramid, ooh
Working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid
Verse 2
You showed up after work, I’m bathing your body
Touch you in places only I know
You’re wet and you’re warm just like our bathwater
Can we make love before you go?
The way you say my name makes me feel like I’m that nigga
But I’m still unemployed
You could say it’s big, but you take it
Ride cowgirl
But your love ain’t free no more, baby
But your love ain’t free no more
Refrain
She’s working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid, ayy
Working at the pyramid tonight, oh yeah
Working at the pyramid, that’s right
Working at the pyramid tonight, yeah
Working at the pyramid, ooh
Working at the pyramid tonight
Working at the pyramid
Working at the pyramid tonight
Guitar Solo: John Mayer & Frank Ocean
Air guitar
Oh, oh
Similar Songs Like Pyramids
Here are a few more tracks that highlighted that same special feeling as Pyramids.
- Thinkin Bout You: This dreamy song shines with soft vocals and heartfelt words. Its quiet sound conveys moments of deep love and longing.
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- Forrest Gump: A playful, hopeful song that shows moments of simple happiness. Its gentle beat and warm voice create a light, carefree feeling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Guitar Solo in Pyramids?
Yes, an uncredited John Mayer plays the extended guitar solo.
How Long is Pyramids Song?
The song is nearly 10 minutes long.
How did Pyramids Receive by Critics?
It was praised for its ambition, lyrics, and production.
